A student assembles a circuit using a 9 V ideal battery
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Circuits · Electric Circuits
Problem
A student assembles a circuit using a 9 V ideal battery, a single incandescent bulb, connecting wires, and a toggle switch S placed between the battery’s positive terminal and the bulb. The negative terminal of the battery is connected directly back to the bulb, completing the arrangement.
Answer the following about the operation of this circuit.
(a) Describe what is meant by the switch being "open" versus "closed" in the context of this circuit.
(b) For each switch position—open and closed—state whether a complete conducting path (closed loop) exists for conventional current. Justify your answer by referencing every segment of the proposed current path.
(c) For each switch position—open and closed—explain the observed state of the bulb (lit or unlit). In your explanation, connect the presence or absence of current to energy transfer within the bulb filament.